SpanSwede

Eratosthenes and the Size of the Earth


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In the 3rd century BC, Eratosthenes figured out how to measure Earth’s circumference using only a stick, basic geometry, and observation. While there was no shadow in Syene during the solstice, there was in Alexandria. Using this difference and the distance between the cities, he calculated Earth’s circumference as 40,000 km — missing the real value by just 75 km. A brilliant example of curiosity and rational thinking.


#Eratosthenes #HistoryOfScience #SphericalEarth #Curiosity #Education #AncientScience #CriticalThinking #Astronomy #AlexandriaLibrary #Egypt

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This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more.


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SpanSwedeBy Juan Fernandez